Face mask



July 16, 1963 A. M; RUSSELL 3,097,642

FACE MASK Filed Aug. 21, 1956 I 5 Sheets-Sheet l July 16, 1963 A. M.RUSSELL 3,097,642

FACE MASK Filed Aug. 21, 1956 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 July 16, 1963 Filed Aug.21, 1956 A. M. RUSSELL FACE MASK 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 United States Patent3,097,642 FACE MASK Allan M. Russell, 19101 Van Aken Blvd., ShakerHeights, Ohio Filed Aug. 21, 1956, Ser. No. 605,248 4 Claims. (Cl.128-146) This invention relates in general to face masks for theadministration of gaseous fluids. More particularly it relates to animproved face mask for use either as a conventional rebreathing mask, areservoir type mask, a positive pressure mask, or a non-reservoir largevolume direct flow mask, all providing high oxygen concentrations. Thismask is adapted for use either with a continuous flow of gaseous fluidsor with gaseous fluids regulated for flow on demand or inspiration only.More specifically, this versatility is achieved through significantdiscoveries in both the construction of the mask body and apparatus foruse in combination with the mask body. Generally, face masks for theadministration of gaseous fluids of the reservoir or rebreathing typeare equipped with a reservoir bag or bag for applying rebreathingtechniques secured to the mask body by means of a separate rigidintervening connector. In order to achieve the necessary coupling andgas seal between the connector and the bag, a metal ring clamp, band, orwire necessitating tightening with tools such as a screw driver orpliers is usually required. Attachment of the bag to the mask body bysuch an arrangement is apt to cause .or promote cracking anddeterioration of the bag mateportable emergency units or airbornecompartments, and

certainly desirable in hospital equipment rooms.

In more specialized uses of face masks for the administration of gaseousfluids, such as, for example, the treatment of obstructive dyspnea,edema of the lungs, or congestive heart failure, to name a few, it hasbeen found expedient to induce pressure in the lungs by providingresistance to expiration. This is customarily accomplished in a singlepurpose mask by securing a positive pressure valve to the mask body inmuch the same manner as the conventional reservoir bag or bag forapplying rebreathing techniques is secured. Such valves are usuallycumbersome, and their installation or re moval while the mask is in useis difficult, if not impossible. This results in an interrupted flow ofgaseous fluids to the wearer While the conversion is taking place.

To the end of providing a face mask which eliminates thesedisadvantages, extensive research has been conducted, and as a result aface mask has been devised which, in combination with a detachablereservoir bag or bag for applying rebreathing techniques and a removablepositive pressure valve, overcomes the stated shortcomings ofconventional equipment.

It is accordingly one of the principal objects of this invention toprovide in combination a face mask and detachable reservoir bag or bagfor applying rebreathing techniques that eliminates an interveningconnector and clamp, band, or wire and at the same time maintains a snugfrictional engagement and gas seal between the mask body and bag.

Another object of this invention is to provide in combination a facemask and a separable reservoir bag or bag for applying rebreathingtechniques which are readily attached or detached without the use oftools thus simplifying variation in methods of administering gaseousfluids by merely slipping in place the pressure valve over theexhalation valve turret of the mask body, and which enables switching toand from normal administration of gaseous fluids without interruption inflow.

A feature of the invention resides in the manner in which the variouspliable members are formed, in which certain of said members arestiffened without loss of resiliency, and in the trimming or forming ofcertain portions of the mask body to achieve snug frictional engagementwith other components of the mask combination.

These and additional objects and advantages will become more readilyapparent as the following description proceeds, taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. '1 is a front view in perspective of the face mask and attached bagand positive pressure valve.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the face mask I body with the bagand positive pressure valve removed.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 33 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along line 4--4 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a rear elevational-view of the face mask and a portion of thebag.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view illustrating the manner in which the bag isattached about the inlet turret, the latter having its inlet valve inplace.

Referring now to the drawings and particularly FIGS. 1 and 2, the facemask is provided with a mask body 10 preferably of a soft, pliablematerial such as latex rubber.

The mask body 10.1135 an oral and nasal section in which are embeddedtwo malleable metal members 11 and 12 preferably in the form of wireloops. The members 11 and 12 not only provide stiffening means for thepliable material of the mask body -10, but enable it to be conformed tothe facial configurations of the wearer, and to be maintained in anydesired position in such facial areas where adjustment is most generallyrequired.

Three turrets 13, 14, 15 are provided in the vicinity of the oral andnasal sections of the mask body 10. These turrets are formed preferablyof the same material as the mask body 10 and integral therewith. Theside walls of the turrets 13, 14, and 15 are reduced or conto deflectexhalation downward, thereby preventing interference with the sight, orfogging of eyeglasses or goggles of the wearer of the mask.

In addition, the mask body 10 is formed to provide a face engagingflange 20 (see FIGS. 3, 4, and 5), which is trimmed or formed to allow asufficient opening to freely receive the mouth and nose of the wearer.Studs or buttons 21, in spaced relation to one another on the mask body10, are also provided to receive head straps 22 which hold the face maskon the wearer. For a more detailed description of such elements asembedded members 11 and 12, the deflector 18, the face engaging flange20, and the head straps 22, reference may be had to my copendingapplication Serial Number 303,030, filed August 7, 1952, now Patent No.2,818,861, for Oxygen Mask, of which application this application is acontinuation in part.

Referring again to the turrets 13, 14, and 15, a valve body 23,preferably of spoked Wheel-like construction and of a resilientmaterial, but in any event considerably stiffer in character than thematerial of the mask body 10, is disposed in the central opening of eachof the turrets. The valve bodies 23 are provided with an annular groove24 adapted to engage the valve body receiving wall 17 of the turrets 13,14, and 15 (see FIG. 3). The valve bodies 23 are thus retained in snugand gas sealing engagement with the mask body 10. The stiffer characterof the material of the valve bodies 23 provides added stiflening meansfor the soft, pliable material of the mask body intermediate theembedded members 11 and 12.

Each of the valve bodies 23 has a central opening through which a tab 25of a resilient flap-like check valve 26 may be drawn and secured, thedirection in which the tab 25 is drawn determining the direction of flowdesired to be checked.

The turrets 13 and 15, and their included valve bodies 23 and valves 26are for emergency or excess demand inhalation, and exhalation,respectively. The central turret 14 being most directly situated withrespect to the oral and nasal passages of the wearer is generallyutilized for introduction and inhalation of gaseous fluids. The positionof the turrets with relation to each other and their arrangement on themask body 10 are, of course, subject to variation. The dispositionillustrated, however is preferred.

Referring again to the mask body 10, the preferred embodiment isillustrated with a bag 30 attached to the turret 14. The bag 30 ispreferably made of the same lightweight, flexible material as the maskbody 10 but with a thinner wall, and is provided with an arched neck 31to direct the bag away from bed clothing or clothing of the wearer andto permit free movement of the bag relative to mask body 10. The bag 30has a tube 32 inserted at its lower or pendant inlet end 33 wherebygaseous fluids such as oxygen are directed into the bag from a gassource (not shown). This tube insures the inlet remaining open in theevent the bag is pulled or twisted. The tube 32 is inserted into the bag30 a sufficient distance to prevent inundation of the inner end (notshown) by condensate settling out of exhaled gaseous fluids anddeposited in the pendant end of the bag.

The necked end of the bag 30 is provided with a formed resilient ring34, preferably integral therewith and of the same material as the bag 30(see FIGS. 1, 3, 4, and 6). The ring 34 is adapted to be stretched aboutthe turret 14 and snapped into position in the annulus or groove '16 ofturret 14.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated the material forming turret 14which houses inlet valve body 23 is formed or trimmed to completelycover the rim only of the valve body. When the ring 34 of the bag 30' issnapped into position as described, a snug frictional engagement andseal is effected between the bag 30 and the turret 14. Due to snugcontact between the members of like or similar materials, slippage isprevented and wear is substantially eliminated. Moreover, forces exertedon or by the bag 30 are evenly distributed to the mask body 10, and noton the rim of the valve body 23, thus preventing the latter frombecoming dislodged.

The construction of the necked end of the bag 30 and the turret 14 asdescribed, notwithstanding the snug seal formed therebetween, permitsready detachment of the bag from the mask body 10. It is only necessaryto apply thumb pressure to the ring 34. Thus detachment of the 4 bag 30after use, and sterilization can be easily accomplished.

An added advantage is that the bag 30 can be detached and folded forcompact storage within the mask body 10. This is particularlyadvantageous when the face mask is used for high altitude flying or withportable emergency units.

As stated earlier, the face mask is adapted for a wide variety of uses.Its versatility of application in reservoir and rebreathing techniquesfor administering gaseous fluids centers about the bag 30 and the checkvalve 26, attached to valve body 23 housed in turret 14. With the checkvalve 26 in the position illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 the bag 30serves only as a reservoir for incoming gaseous fluids. The gas, such asoxygen for example, directed into the bag from a source thereof, isavailable in substantial volume, as determined by the volume of bag 30,for inhalation by the wearer through the valve 26. Exhalation into thebag is prevented by the valve 26. This technique results in a highconcentration of gaseous fluids constantly available in the bag 30 forinhalation and thus the term reservoir technique.

To use the face mask for rebreathing purposes, the check valve 26 isreadily removed from valve body 23, housed in turret 14. Thus, onexhalation, a portion of the exhaled gaseous fluids passes into the bagwhere it mixes with the gas in the bag 30 obtained from a source (notshown). This mixture of previously exhaled gas and gas, such as oxygenfrom the source, is inhaled by the wearer on inspiration. This techniquefor administering gaseous fluids produces favorable therapeutic resultsin those circumstances Where such procedure is indicated.

Still another technique possible with applicants mask is in theadministration of gaseous fluids by the nonreservoir large volume directflow method. To convert the face mask for such use it is necessary onlyto detach the bag 30 from the mask body 10 and then remove the valvebody 23 and its check valve 26 from turret 14. One end of a section oflarge bore tubing of suitable diameter and provided with a ring similarto ring 34 is inserted into the opening of turret 14 or about the turretdepending on the size of the tubing employed and as desired. The otherend is connected to a gas source. Gaseous fluids of desiredconcentration and volume are then directed to the wearer.

The emergency demand inhalation turret 13 is provided for demandinhalations, such as are comomn in cardiac cases or if for any reasonthere should be a substantial decrease or stoppage in flow of gaseousfluids from the gas source to the wearer of the face mask. The emergencydemand inhalation turret valve 26 in the turret 13 opens under suchinspiratory conditions for inspiration from the atmosphere.

The exhalation valve 26 housed in the turret 15 opens in response toexhalation pressures and acts generally as the main vent for the facemask.

For purposes of utilizing positive pressure techniques a positivepressure valve 40 may be mounted over the turret 15 housing theexhalation valve (see FIGS. 1 and 3). Such a valve is desirable in thosespecial circumstances where it is necessary to produce variablepressures Within the lungs to reduce the tendency of the pulmonarycapillaries to filter serum through their Walls into the alveolarspaces. The pressure in the pulmonary capillaries is small, and atherapeutic result may be achieved with pressures as little as onecentimeter of water applied to the outside of the capillary wall. Thepressure valve 40 is adapted for use in combination with the face maskto produce such pressures varying from 0 to 4 centimeters of water.

The pressure valve 40 preferably has a cup-shaped housmg 41 made of alightweight, durable material such as aluminum. The peripheral Wall ofthe valve 40 is preferably marked or labeled with the word top toindicate the operative position in which it is to be mounted withrespect to the mask body as worn. The base 42 of the housing 41 isprovided with an opening or port 43 to permit passage of exhaled gaseousfluids. A rotatable disc 44 preferably having five openings graduated insize, the largest of which is equal in size or smaller than the opening43 in the base 42 of the housing 41, is rotatably secured to the housingby a pin or rivet 45. The graduated openings are suitably spaced on thedisc 44 and are adapted to siugly'register with the opening 43 for anydesired setting of the disc 44. The'disc 44 is further preferablyprovided with a lobate edge 46 for easy manipulation, and indexing means(not shown) are provided between the valve housing 41 and the disc 44 tomaintain the latter in any selected position.

When positive pressure within the lungs is required, the pressure valve40 is installed by mounting it over turret 15 housing the outlet orexhalation valve. This can be easily accomplished either while the facemask is worn or before it is placed on an individual. The cupped edge 47of the valve 40 contacts the mask body when the valve 40 has beenproperly mounted. The valve 40 is held in position on turret by the snugsealing engagement of the inner peripheral wall 48 of the valve 40 andthe material forming the turret 15 (see FIG. 3).

The pressure valve 40 operates on the principle that when expirationtakes place through a constricted opening, a positive or back pressureis produced within the lungs due to the inability of exhaled gaseousfluids to escape to atmosphere in normal volume. The five graduatedopenings labeled A, B, C, D, and E on the disc 44 are cali- 'brated toproduce pressures Within the lungs corresponding approximately to 0, 1,2, 3, or 4 centimeters of water, respectively. When the largest openinglabeled A is in register with the opening 43, there is little or nopressure during exhalation. The smallest opening labeled E, on the otherhand, Will provide a pressure of approximately 4 centimeters of waterwithin the lungs. The degree of resistance to exhalation of gaseousfluids is varied, of course, subject to each individuals physiologicalrequirements and condition.

To assist in determining the amount of pressure being administered toany given individual, a dual purpose opening normally closed by a buttonor stud 49, is located in the central section of the mask body 10. Thispermits admittance of one end of a piece of tubing into the mask body 10while the other end is placed in a simple water manometer. In thismanner the pressure being produced within the lungs can be measured moreaccurately. Once the prescribed pressure has been established, thedesired setting can then be made with disc 44. Another function of theopening is to provide means for admitting a duodenal drainage tube whilethe wearer is undergoing inhalation therapy.

It will be apparent that applicants face mask has extreme versatility ofapplication, not only in hospitals and emergency units, but in highaltitude flying. Its simplicity of operation and its relativeinexpensiveness are added features of this valuable development. Certainmodifications in construction of applicants face mask, and apparatusused in combination therewith, .will be suggested to those skilled inthe art. All such modifications come within the spirit of this inventionare intended to be included within its scope as best defined by theappended claims.

I claim:

1. Apparatus for the administration of gaseous fluids, comprising a maskadapted to enclose the oral and nasal passages and formed of soft,pliable material, said mask being provided with a thin flexible faceengaging flange of substantial breadth and means comprising a wire loopembedded in said mask having at least a portion thereof extending to anintermediate area of the mask adjacent the oral and nasal passages foradjustably conforming the mask in the areas of the oral and nasalpassages to insure its engagement with the face, a plurality of turretsin said mask in the area of the nasal and oral passages, each of saidturrets being provided with an opening, stiffening means in saidturret'openings, a check valve in at least one of said turret openings,and adjustable means removably mounted over one of said turrets toprovide preselected resistance to exhalation of gaseous fluids while atall times permitting exhalation therethrou-gh, comprising valve meansincluding means forming a series of constricted openings graduated insize, said valve means being arranged to permit exhalation through aselected one of said constricted openings.

2. Apparatus for the administration of gaseous fluids,

comprising a mask adapted to enclose the oral and nasal passages andformed of soft, pliable material, said mask being provided with a thinflexible face engaging flange of substantial breadth and meanscomprising a Wire loop embedded in said mask having at least a portionthereof extending to an intermediate area of the mask adjacent the oraland nasal passages for adjustably conforming the mask in the areas ofthe oral and nasal passages to insure its engagement with the face, aplurality of turrets in said mask in the area of the oral and nasalpassages, each of said turrets being provided with an opening, and atleast one of said turrets being formed to provide an annulus, stiffeningmeans in said turret openings, a check valve arranged to form an inletvalve in at least one of said turret openings, and a reservoir baghaving means including a ring formed integral therewith adapted to bereceived in said annulus, said reservoir bag being detachably securedabout said turret formed to provide an annulus with said ring inengagement with said annulus, whereby a snug frictional engagement and agas seal are achieved.

3. In apparatus for administration of gaseous fluids, a mask adapted toenclose the oral and nasal passages, said mask having a face engagingportion, and means comprising a wire loop embedded in said mask havingat least a portion thereof extending to an intermediate area of the maskadjacent the oral and nasal passages for adjustably conforming the maskin the areas of the oral and nasal passages to insure its engagementwith the race, a turret in said mask in the area of the oral and nasalpassages, said turret having an opening, a check valve in said turretopening for exhalation of gaseous fluids, said check valve permittingexhalation through said turret opening but substantially preventinginhalation therethrough, and valve means removably mounted on saidturret to provide preselected resistance to exhalation of gaseous fluidscomprising, a housing one portion of which is open, said housing havinga single port communicating with said open portion to permit passage ofgaseous fluids, and means provided with a plurality of openings ofpredetermined different areas adjustably attached to said housing oversaid port, said means provided with a plurality of openings beingadjustable with respect to said housing to place at all times a selectedone of said openings of said difierent predetermined areas in registerwith said port to provide a pro-selected resistance to exhalation ofgaseous fluids.

4. A gas impervious bag for connection to a face mask to provide acontainer for gaseous fluids comprising an inflatable portion an end ofwhich is adapted for connection to a source of gaseous fluids other thangaseous fluids derived from exhalation, a tube inserted into said end ofthe inflatable portion, said tube being inserted a sufficient distanceinto said inflatable portion to prevent inundation of its inner end bycondensate settling out of exhaled gaseous fluids received within thebag, said tube additionally insuring that there is no stoppage of flowof [gaseous fluids from said source due to pulling or twisting of saidbag in the region of its connection to said source of gaseous fluids,said inflatable portion being capable of receiving and retainingvariable volumes of gaseous fluids, an arched neck integral with saidinflatable portion and resilient means including a ring continuousReferences Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 7,476Lane July 2, 1850 2,327,995 Bulbulian Aug. 31, 1943 2,344,920 Maggi Mar.21, 1944 2,348,277 Boothby et a1 May 9, 1944 8 Sharbaugh et al Feb. 25,1947 McKee Sept. 11, 1951 Matheson Sept. 22, 1953 Wong Mar. 19, 1957Brown Apr. 9, 1957 Glasser July 15, 1958 Galleher Mar. 3, 1959 FOREIGNPATENTS Austria May 10, 1940 Italy Apr. 10, 1937 France May 27, 1935

1. APPARATUS FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF GASEOUS FLUIDS, COMPRISING A MASKADAPTED TO ENCLOSED THE ORAL AND NASAL PASSAGES AND FORMED OF SOFT,PLIABLE MATERIAL, SAID MASK BEING PROVIDED WITH A THIN FLEXIBLE FACEENGAGING FLANGE OF SUBSTANTIAL BREATH AND MEANS COMPRISING A WIRE LOOPEMBEDDED IN SAID MASK HAVING A LEAST A PORTION THEREOF EXTENDING TO ANINTERMEDIATE AREA OF THE MASK ADJACENT THE ORAL AND NASAL PASSAGES FORADJUSTABLY CONFORMING THE MASK IN THE AREAS OF THE ORAL AND NASALPASSAGES TO INSURE ITS ENGAGEMENT WITH THE FACE, A PLURALITY OF TURRETSIN SAID MASK IN THE AREA OF THE NASAL AND ORAL PASSAGES, EACH OF SAIDTURRETS BEING PROVIDED WITH AN OPENING, STIFFENING MEANS IN SAID TURRETOPENINGS, A CHECK VALVE IN AT LEAST